PAIN
Generally, patients are offered either 800 mg ibuprofen or 500 mg extra strength Tylenol pre-operative as a loading dose to bridge the gap between the time immediately after surgery and the time to fill a prescription.  Please take any medicines as prescribed. Most prescriptions will suggest dosing increments of 4 to 6 hours. It is important to maintain a therapeutic level of medicine as it is far easier to prevent pain than to overcome pain.  If you are prescribed a narcotic, it is important not to drive or operate machinery until you are familiar with how the drug affects your body. Mixing alcohol and prescription drugs is highly discouraged. 

SWELLING
Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and typically peaks approximately 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, please follow these recommendations: 

• Wait a minimum of 24 hours before exercising. 
• Elevate your head when lying down (use an extra pillow when sleeping).
• Use ice for the first 24 hrs as it will help minimize the amount of swelling. It is best to apply cold for 20 mins followed by 20 mins break. Switch to heat after the first day. This will help alleviate any swelling that has developed. 

BLEEDING
A small amount of bleeding is normal and commonly occurs a few hours after the procedure and with waking the next morning. It is important NOT to spit or drink through a straw during the first 24 hours following the procedure. To rinse your mouth, lightly move the liquid around the mouth and open allow the liquid to drain out. With excessive or continuous bleeding, apply a moistened gauze to the immediate area and apply moderate pressure for 20 minutes. Please contact us if the bleeding persists. 

STITCHES
DO NOT manipulate any stitches at the surgical site. These stitches are resorbable and will dissolve in 4 to 7 days. Sometimes we will use resorbable stitches that will remain intact until the post-op appt. Those stitches will be removed in the office.  Please contact the office prior to trimming any long strands of stitch material. 

SMOKING
Smoking during the healing phase will compromise the ability to have a successful outcome. Smoking compromises blood flow to the harvest gum tissue.
 
EATING
Avoid chewing on the surgical side for 1-2 weeks. A soft diet is recommended (eggs, yogurt, soup, casseroles, etc.). Avoid any hard foods with sharp edges such as chips, popcorn, granola, or meat on a bone. 

CLEANING
Brush the area using a soft bristled brush. Continue with your normal flossing regiment. Use Periogard rinse for the gum tissue 2x daily.